Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Electrical Properties of Single-Crystal Corundum

The effect of gamma irradiation on the electrical properties of single-crystal corundum is studied. The conductivity of corundum as a function of gamma dose is found to pass through a minimum. The results are discussed in terms of the known models. The dielectric losses in irradiated corundum vary with temperature in a complex manner and pass through a maximum. This behavior is interpreted under the assumption that losses are mainly due to relaxation processes or conduction, depending on temperature. The activation energies of conduction and polarization are determined, and the likely mechanisms of dielectric losses are discussed.